Remote control macro instruction operation

ABSTRACT

A remote control and method of programming a remote control for controlling components in an entertainment system are disclosed. The remote control may operate in multiple modes including a limited mode that prevents the remote control from sending predetermined commands to one or more components, even when instructed to do so by the user. In addition, the remote control may issue one or more commands to each component in response to a single user input.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/118,462, entitled “Methods and Apparatus for SimplifiedRemote Control Operation of Components”, filed Apr. 29, 2005, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/567,027,entitled “EZ Remote Control”, filed Apr. 29, 2004. Each of theseapplications is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method forremotely controlling multiple devices. More particularly, the inventionrelates to an apparatus and method of remotely controlling multipledevices in an entertainment system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A modern entertainment system typically contains a number of components.Such components as a video cassette recorder (VCR), a digital video disc(DVD) player, cable and satellite set-top-boxes (STBs) and home theatersystems have become commonplace in addition to the television (TV).However, with the increase in the number of components, the operation ofentertainment systems has become more complex.

Typically, each component will have different “operational states”relating to what signals are received and transmitted by the component.For example, a TV tuned to a specific channel, say channel 3, can beregarded as being in the operational state of displaying the televisionprogramming on channel 3. A VCR typically has several operational statesrelating to both the delivery {output) to the TV of televisionprogramming (e.g., delivery of programming on channel 3, delivery ofprogramming on channel 4 or “TV/VCR” delivery, that essentially bypassesthe VCR altogether) and the receipt (input) of television programming(e.g., VCR tuned to various channels). Other entertainment systemcomponents, such as DVD players and STBs, may have a similar multitudeof operational states.

A drawback of the proliferation of components with multiple operationalstates is that it has become a difficult and complicated task to makethe entertainment system operate properly. In modern systems, it is veryeasy for a user to inadvertently change the operational state of one ofthe components so that the entertainment system is inoperable (i.e.,will not display television programming until the inadvertent change isrectified). In these situations, the user often does not know what theuser did or how to return the entertainment system to the original,operable configuration.

Take, for example, a typical VCR and TV combination where the TV and VCRmust be set to the same channel, usually 3 or 4 (e.g., the VCR must beset to deliver and the TV must be set to display television programmingon the same channel). If the user accidentally or unknowingly changesthe channel on the TV, the television programming delivered by the VCRwill no longer be displayed by the TV. In addition, if the televisionprogramming source (such as an antenna) is routed through the VCR, theTV may not be able to display any television programming at all. In thisexample, the VCR/TV entertainment system can be easily returned to anoperable configuration by changing the TV's channel back to the samechannel used by the VCR. However, if the user does not know that thechannel on the TV was changed, the user may not understand why theentertainment system is inoperable and be unable to correct the problem.Furthermore, the user's attempts to correct the problem may change otheroperational states of the components and further compound theinoperability of the VCR/TV entertainment system.

The VCR/TV entertainment system discussed above is an example of anentertainment system with multiple configurations, both operable andinoperable. When the TV is set to display channel 3 and the VCR is setto deliver programming on channel 3, the entertainment system works andis said to be in an operable configuration. If, however, the TV is setto channel 4 and the VCR to deliver on channel 3, television programmingdelivered by the VCR is not displayed on the TV and the system is saidto be in an inoperable configuration (at least with respect toprogramming delivered by the VCR).

Many entertainment system users do not understand how the variouscomponents must be configured for the entertainment system to operate asdesired. This makes it difficult for these users to rectify inadvertentconfiguration changes. In addition, even sophisticated users mayunknowingly change the configuration and have difficulty returning thesystem to an operable configuration.

One drawback of this problem is that inadvertent configuration changesoften are interpreted by the unsophisticated user as a hardware failureor some other failure. The programming distributor (i.e., their cabletelevision or direct-to-home satellite television providers) istypically the only source of technical assistance available since mostentertainment system owners do not have an ongoing relationship with thecomponent manufacturers. In these perceived hardware failure situations,a typical user response is to call the programming distributor'stechnical assistance call center. Calls due to configuration changes canrepresent a very significant portion of the calls received, and thus asignificant cost to the programming distributor supporting the callcenter. If the number of calls can be reduced, it would result in costbenefits for the programming distributor. There is therefore a need onthe part of the programming distributors to reduce the number and theduration of calls to their technical assistance departments resultingfrom inadvertent configuration changes.

The increased use of universal remote controls that allow the user toselect between components when issuing commands has exacerbated theproblem of inadvertently changing configurations. Universal remotecontrols have become popular as they can replace the plethora ofcomponent-specific remote controls. However, the user may becomeconfused as to what component the universal remote control is currentlyset to control and, subsequently, the user may inadvertently issue aseries of commands to the wrong component, for example to the TV whilethinking that he is controlling the VCR or some other component.

Universal remote controls may also be difficult to use. In order toissue a command to a specific component, the user must first inform theuniversal remote control that he wishes to issue a command to thatcomponent. Typically, informing the remote control of a new command isdone by pressing a button that corresponds to the component. Next, theuser typically presses the button of the desired command. Even moresteps may be required if the user needs to issue commands to severaldevices in order to achieve the desired result. For example, in thesituation where all the components of the entertainment system arecurrently turned off, the user may have to separately command each ofthe components to turn on, as well as command the VCR to play. Theresulting large number of instructions required to turn on theentertainment system and then instruct it to display the desiredprogramming is inconvenient and potentially frustrating to the user. Inaddition, the need for multiple keystrokes greatly increases the chancethat the user may inadvertently change the configuration of theentertainment system and require the user to reconfigure the system withyet more keystrokes.

Therefore, entertainment system users have a need for a remote controlthat limits the user's ability to reconfigure the entertainment systemto an inoperable configuration. In addition, television programmingproviders (such as direct-to-home satellite television and cabletelevision providers) also have a need to limit the user's ability toreconfigure the entertainment system to an inoperable configuration.There is also a need for a universal remote control that is simpler touse.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an entertainment system in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a simple entertainment system utilizing an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a remote control in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a table of keys on the remote control shown in FIG. 3 and thecorresponding commands that would be issued if the keys were pressed innormal mode.

FIG. 5 gives the same table as presented in FIG. 4, except that is showsthe corresponding commands available in limited mode in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 presents a simple entertainment system utilizing an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a second entertainment system utilizing a remotecontrol in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 presents a method for programming a remote control to control adevice in an entertainment system in accordance with another embodimentof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In this specification, the present invention will be described usingmethods and systems related to an entertainment system that includessubscriber satellite television components. This specific description isnot meant to limit the invention to that one embodiment. One skilled inthe art will recognize that the present invention can apply elsewhere.While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various other changes in the form anddetails may be made therein without departing from the scope of theinvention.

As a general matter, the disclosure uses the term “component” to referto any electronic device that independently, or together with otherelectronic devices, delivers content to a user or users of anentertainment system. Examples of components include, but are notlimited to, devices such as stereos, TVs, VCRs, DVD players, DVRdevices, set-top boxes (STBs), and home theater receivers. Thedisclosure also uses the term “instruction” to refer to an input givenby a user to a device such as a remote control. An instruction may, ormay not, result in the issue of a command to a component. For example,several instructions may be necessary to cause a remote control to sendone command to a specific component such as pressing a button toidentify the component and then pressing the button of the command to besent to the component. In addition, many instructions may be necessaryto initially program a remote control or otherwise change theoperational characteristics of the remote control. The disclosurefurther uses the term “logic” to refer to any combination of hardware,software, and firmware adapted to achieve a specific result. Examples oflogic include processors, memory, software stored in memory for runningthe processor, and any electronics required to allow the processors tofunction. The term “operational state” is also used within thedisclosure to describe a condition of a component. Components may havemultiple operational states. Examples of components with a plurality ofoperational states are a TV with selectable channels, or a VCR withselectable output channels (i.e., 3 or 4). Furthermore, turning acomponent on or off (whether this is achieved by “toggling” thecomponent's power or via separate on and off commands) or changing thevolume level is also considered changing its operational state.

As another a general matter, the disclosure uses the term “signal.” Oneskilled in the art will recognize that the signal may be any digital oranalog signal. Those signals may include, but are not limited to, a bit,a specified set of bits, an A/C signal, or a D/C signal. Uses of theterm “signal” in the description may include any of these differentinterpretations. It will also be understood to one skilled in the artthat the term “connected” is not limited to a physical connection butcan refer to any means of communicatively or operatively coupling twodevices.

As another general matter, the disclosure uses the terms “contentmanagement device,” “television converter,” “receiver,” “set-top box,”“television receiving device,” “television receiver,” “televisionrecording device,” “satellite set-top box,” “satellite receiver,” “cableset-top box,” “cable receiver,” and “television tuner” to referinterchangeably to a converter device or electronic equipment that mayinclude, but is not limited to, the capacity to acquire, process anddistribute one or more television signals transmitted by broadcast,cable, telephone or satellite distributors. “Digital video recorder(DVR)” and “personal video recorder (PVR)” refer interchangeably todevices that can digitally record and play back television signals andthat may implement trick functions including, but not limited to,fast-forward, rewind and pause. As set forth in this specification andthe figures pertaining thereto, DVR and PVR functionality or devices maybe combined with a television converter. The signals transmitted bythese broadcast, cable, telephone or satellite distributors may include,individually or in any combination, Internet, radio, television ortelephonic data or information. One skilled in the art will recognizethat a content management device may be implemented as an externalself-enclosed unit, a plurality of external self-enclosed units or as aninternal unit housed within a television. One skilled in the art willrecognize that the present invention can apply to analog and digitalsatellite set-top boxes.

As yet another general matter, it will be understood by one skilled inthe art that the term “television” refers to a television set or videodisplay that may contain an integrated content management device (e.g.,an internal cable-ready television tuner housed inside a television) or,alternatively, that is connected to an external content managementdevice (e.g., an external set-top box connected via cabling to atelevision). A further example of an external content management deviceis the EchoStar Dish PVR 721, Part Number 106525, combination satelliteset-top box and DVR.

As a further general matter, it should be understood that satellitetelevision signals may be very different from broadcast television orother types of signals. Satellite signals may include multiplexed,packetized, and modulated digital signals. Once multiplexed, packetizedand modulated, one analog satellite transmission may carry digital datarepresenting several television stations or service providers. Someexamples of service providers include HBO™, CSPAN™, ABC™ CBS™, or ESPN™.In satellite television, a service provider can also be compared to a“channel.”

The term “channel,” as used in this description, carries a differentmeaning from its normal connotation. In broadcast television, differentanalog signals of a television station may be carried on a carrierfrequency and its sub-channels. A tuner in a television may then acquireand process these signals. In broadcast television, the term channel hasthus become synonymous with the sub-channel or the station on thatsub-channel. The normal connotation of the term “channel” is thereforenot always appropriate to describe satellite television transmissionswhere multiple stations may be multiplexed onto a single carrierfrequency. Satellite television distributors, however, may organize thesatellite data into a group of different “virtual channels.” Thesevirtual channels give the impression that the satellite televisionprograms (the service providers) are placed in channels. This impressionmay assist user operation of the satellite set-top box since it modelsan analog television or analog receiving device. The virtual channelsmay appear in the electronic program guide (EPG) data and the user maychoose programming by selecting a virtual channel. For instance, theuser can select HBO, which may be on virtual channel 300, or CSPAN,which may be on virtual channel 210. These service providers or virtualchannels are not necessarily carried in the same signal being sent fromthe same satellite. EPG data may come from a service provider (e.g.,HBO), content provider (e.g., Disney), a third party (e.g., TV Guide) orfrom another outside entity. Thus, in satellite television service achannel may not be the same as in broadcast television service. Rather,channels may be more properly termed service providers in satellitetelevision service. The term “channel” will be used in this descriptionto describe the service providers and the virtual channels they mayoccupy.

The terms “content,” “programming,” and “television programming,” asused in this disclosure, refer to anything delivered to a user, whetheras audio, video, audiovisual (A/V), or data. Content can be video,audio, combined A/V, pictorial, textual or purely electronic in nature.Examples of content include, but are not limited to, distinct TVprograms, streaming video, streaming audio, interactive audio,interactive video, distinct musical works, distinct pictorial or graphicworks, .htm or .html documents when viewed with a browser, and motionpictures or other A/V works.

Finally, this disclosure uses the term “entertainment systemconfiguration” to describe a specific combination of operational statesof the components of an entertainment system. For example, in anentertainment system comprising a TV and a VCR, one operableconfiguration of the entertainment system is the TV set to channel 3 andthe VCR set to output signals on channel 3. This is an example of anoperable configuration because the TV can receive and displayprogramming delivered by the VCR. An example of an inoperableconfiguration is the TV tuned to channel 4 and the VCR tuned to outputsignals on channel 3. Such a configuration is considered inoperablebecause the TV cannot display programming delivered to it by the VCR.Likewise, an “operational state” is a term used to describe a conditionof a component. Components may have multiple operational states.

Turning now to the Drawings, wherein like numbers denote like partsthroughout the several views, FIG. 1 presents an embodiment of anentertainment system 102 that includes a television converter device 100in the form of a satellite set-top box. Generally, the satellite STB 100may receive one or more television signals from a cable televisiondistributor, from a broadcast television distributor or from a satellitetelevision distributor 104. As a preferred embodiment, entertainmentsystem 102 receives signals from satellite television distributor 104.One skilled in the art will recognize that set-top box 100 may alsoreceive video-digital subscriber line (VDSL), DSL, Internet, wirelessand other signals from content or video distributors. The satelliteset-top box 100 may process television signals and may send theprocessed signals to peripheral electronic devices, such as a television120 and remote control 126 or other peripheral electronic devices. Moredetail about the functionality of the satellite set-top box 100 isprovided below. One skilled in the art will recognize that manyembodiments of the entertainment system 102 are possible and within thescope of this invention. Other such embodiments may include, but are notlimited to, various combinations or permutations of devices andconnections for the delivery, storage, and display of communications,content and other data.

To further describe the entertainment system 102, embodiments relatingto receiving satellite television signals will be explained in moredetail. A satellite television distributor 104 may transmit one or moresatellite television signals 128 to one or more satellites 106.Satellite television distributors may utilize several satellites 106 torelay the satellite television signals to a subscriber. Each satellite106 may have several transponders. Transponders transmit the signal 130from the satellite to the subscriber. For example, these signals 130 maybe transmitted at a frequency of 2150 MHz.

A transponder may also polarize the transmitted signal 130 in severalways. One form of polarization in satellite transmissions is circularpolarization. For example, transponders of satellite 106 may transmittwo signals (together as signal 130) on the same transponder, one signalthat is right-hand polarized and another signal that is left-handpolarized. In other words, two signals may be simultaneously transmittedwith opposite polarizations. The opposite polarizations may preventinterference. One skilled in the art will recognize that other ways ofpolarizing signals are possible.

The polarized signals can be received at satellite communication device108. The satellite communication device 108 may include one or more ofthe components that follow. One component of satellite communicationdevice 108 may be a satellite dish. A satellite dish can focus thesignal on one or more low-noise block filters (LNBF), also referred toas low-noise block down converters (LNBDC). The LNBFs may de-polarizeand initially process the signal. This initial processing may includefiltering noise from the signal and down-converting the signal.Down-conversion is sometimes required to transmit the signal 110 throughcertain cables, such as coaxial cables. The signal 110 arrives at thetelevision converter device 100 via cabling. One skilled in the art willrecognize that other methods and other systems of delivering thesatellite signal 110 to the satellite set-top box 100 may be possible.

It will be understood to one skilled in the art that while FIG. 1 showsthe components connected serially, the disclosure also contemplatesentertainment systems 102 where the components are connected as anetwork (i.e., each component is connected to all the others), inparallel, or some combination of serial, parallel, and networkconnections.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, one embodiment of entertainment system 102includes a set-top box 100 that is connected to one or more components.Examples of typical entertainment system 102 components include a TV120, a high definition television (HDTV) set (not shown), a computer124, and a stereo 128. It should be noted that by stereo 128, thisapplication refers to any type of primarily audio delivery system andincludes devices as simple as a speaker or headphones connected to theset-top box 100 and devices as complex as digital surround sound hometheater systems and whole-house audio systems.

The set-top box 100 of the preferred embodiment may also be connected toseveral peripheral components. Examples of peripheral componentsinclude, but are not limited to, devices such as a telephone (notshown), content capture devices such as a video camera 132 or microphone(not shown), external data storage and playback devices 134, a VCR 136,a DVD player 138, and multipurpose components for a local area network(LAN) 140 that may permit interconnection between components.

Another peripheral commonly included in an entertainment system 102 is auniversal remote control 126. Most peripherals are typically, but notnecessarily, physically connected to the set-top box 100 or othercomponents by wire. Remote controls, on the other hand, are typicallyconnected to the set-top box 100 by radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR),or some other non-physical connection 140. Remote controls 126 may alsouse a non-physical connection to separately control devices other thanset-top box 100. For example, a non-physical connection may control TV120. One skilled in the art will recognize that control of numerousother components by non-physical connection is possible. Remote controls126 are well-known in the art and typically comprise the following:

-   -   One or more transmitters such as an IR or UHF transmitter        adapted to communicate with or issue commands to components. For        example, the EchoStar Technologies Corporation 1.5 Remote, model        123479171-AA has a pair of transmitters, an IR transmitter and        an ultra high frequency (UHF) transmitter, that are used to        connect and send command to a set-top box 100;    -   A means for users to input commands, typically a keypad with a        plurality of keys but also including speed recognition;    -   A power source of some kind, typically a battery; and    -   Control logic adapted to perform functions including detecting        and differentiating user instructions, processing the user        instructions and issuing commands in response to the user        instructions.

Such control logic also includes means for issuing commands to differentcomponents and may include look-up tables of commands required fordifferent manufacturers or a means for a user or third party to programthe remote control 126 to control multiple components. The processingfunction of the remote control may include the use of stored look-uptables or predetermined algorithms or any combination of the two. Anycombination of hardware, software, and firmware may be used to implementthe functions of the remote control and many different logic meansadapted for remote controls are well-known in the art.

Furthermore, in accordance with this invention, some of the elementsdescribed above may not be located within the remote control itself. Forexample, one embodiment of the present invention includes a restrictedremote control that serves only to relay user selected instructions to acomponent of the entertainment system. In this embodiment, the controllogic, additional communication transmitters, or other logic residewithin or attached to the component. For the purposes of thisdisclosure, a remote control is considered to embrace the spectrumcomprising restricted remote control devices at one end and a completestandalone remote control where all elements are located within theremote control at the other end.

One embodiment of the present invention is directed at a remote controlapparatus and method for limiting the user's ability to reconfigure theentertainment system to an inoperable configuration. An example of thisembodiment is a programmable remote control that can operate in limitedmode. When in the limited mode, the user cannot access all of thecommands that can normally be issued by the remote control to thecomponents of the entertainment system.

FIG. 2 illustrates a simple entertainment system 200 utilizing anembodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a simpleentertainment system 200 consists of a remote control 202, TV 204, asatellite communication device 208 and a satellite set-top box 206. Theset-top box 206 of this embodiment receives a signal 210, the signal 210including multiple channels of television programming from a programmingprovider 212, via a satellite 214 and a satellite communication device208. The set-top box 206 can select a channel from the signal 210 anddeliver it to the connected TV 204. Both the set-top box 206 and the TV204 may be controlled by the remote control 202 via wireless connections216. In the embodiment, the set-top box 206 includes a physical switch218 to control delivery of RF-modulated programming to an RF carrierchannel or video input. RF carrier channels 3 or 4 are typically used toreceive RF-modulated programming. In this embodiment, physical switch218 is located on the body of the STB 206 and is not changeable viaremote control commands. One skilled in the art will recognize thatother ways of switching delivery channels for RF-modulated programmingare possible. In order to display programming delivered by the STB 206,the TV 204 must be tuned to the same channel (or video input) thatcorresponds to the RF carrier channel indicated by the physical switch218 of STB 206. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the STB 206 is set todeliver programming on channel 3, as indicated by the diagonal shadingof physical switch 218, and the TV 204 is tuned to channel 3.

An embodiment of the present invention is a remote control 202 that canbe operated in limited mode (wherein certain commands that would renderthe entertainment system 200 inoperable are not accessible by the user)or in a normal mode (wherein there may be no such limitations on useraccess to commands). The commands rendered inaccessible while in limitedmode may be predetermined by the remote control manufacturer, or may besubsequently determined and programmed into the remote control 202 bythe user or a third party.

In the embodiment shown, while in limited mode the user cannot send acommand to the TV 204 to change channels via the remote control 202.Even if the user attempts to issue the instructions that in normal modewould result in the issuance of a channel change command to the TV 204,the TV command would not be sent. Thus, while in limited mode,preventing the user from inadvertently changing the channel on the TV204 avoids an inoperable configuration of the entertainment system 200.

Volume control is another operational state that may be protected by thelimited mode. In embodiments wherein both the TV 204 and the STB 206provide volume control, the remote control 202 may also limit the user'scontrol of the TV's or the STB's volume. In this embodiment shown, whilein limited mode, the user cannot access or change the STB's volume withthe remote control 202.

In an embodiment, the user may select whether to operate the remotecontrol in the limited mode or in normal mode. The user may make thisselection during the initial setup or during subsequent programming ofthe remote control 202. Upon entering the manufacturer's code of acomponent into the remote control 202, the user has the option ofentering an additional character after the manufacturer's code. If theadditional character is entered, then, for that component, the remotecontrol will operate in limited mode and not give the user remote accessto all of those component's commands. Thus, the remote control in thisembodiment may be programmed as limited mode for some components and asnormal mode for other components. One skilled in the art will recognizethat programming the remote control in limited mode for all componentsis also possible. In this embodiment, the user must reprogram the remotecontrol 202 in order for the user to change this mode selection.

In another embodiment, the user can make the limited mode selection viaa protected switch, such as a switch hidden in the battery compartmentor otherwise within the body of the remote control. This protectedswitch prevents the user from inadvertently changing modes. For example,on the protected switch may be omitted from the keypad where the usercan change the mode with a single action. For example, placing theswitch in the batter compartment requires that the user open the battercompartment and possibly remove the batteries to access with switch. Theswitch may also be protected from an inadvertent mode change where theswitch is provided as a small toggle switch requiring a ballpoint pen orpaper clip to move. This small toggle switch may be provided for eachcomponent controllable by the remote control. The embodiments illustratethe fact that it should be difficult, if not impossible, toinadvertently change the operating mode of the remote control 202. Oneskilled in the art will recognize that there are many other ways thanthose described above to prevent users from inadvertently changingmodes, any of which are equally within the scope of this invention.

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of a remote control 202 in accordance withthe present invention. The remote control 202 comprises a keypad 302consisting of a plurality of instruction keys 304 with correspondinglabels 306 that may be on or next to their associated keys 304, aplastic body 308 and a light emitting diode (LED) 310. In thisembodiment, the remote control also comprises IR and UHF transmitters(not shown), a battery and battery compartment (not shown) and internallogic (not shown). One skilled in the art will recognize that otherman-machine configurations or interfaces of the remote control 202 arepossible and within the scope of this disclosure. One skilled in the artwill also recognize that other man-machine remote control interfacesinclude touch-sensitive display screens, graphical display screens, andvoice command circuitry. The user gives instructions to the remotecontrol 202 by depressing the keys 304 on the keypad 302. The controllogic, powered by the battery, is adapted to sense the depression of thekeys 304 and is capable of issuing commands to a TV 204 and/or theset-top box 206 in response to the particular keys depressed.

In this embodiment, the remote control 202 includes two power togglekeys 330, a satellite power key labeled “SAT” 322 and a TV power keylabeled “TV” 324. The remote control also includes two componentselection keys 320; a satellite control key 326 labeled with thesatellite dish icon, and a TV control key 328 labeled with a TV antennaicon. One skilled in the art will recognize that including fewer or morekeys on the remote control is possible. Similar to a typical universalremote, if a user wants to issue a command to the set-top box 206, theuser must first depress the “SAT” key 322, and then depress theinstruction key 304 that corresponds to the desired command.

The remote control may communicate changes in mode to the user via theLEDs on the remote control by flashing the LEDs in specified sequences.In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the remote control may beprovided with a liquid crystal display (LCD) to display information tothe user. For example, a remote control may use a liquid crystal displayto identify whether the remote control is programmed for limited modeoperation. In yet another embodiment, the LCD may be provided with atouch-sensitive screen that may possibly replace some or all of the keys304.

FIG. 4 presents a table, corresponding to one embodiment of the presentinvention, which contains three columns 402, 404, and 406. Column 402lists the command key names corresponding to the commands that areissued if the keys 304 are pressed with the remote control in normalmode. Columns 404 and 406 list the respective functions or commands thatare available depending on which component selection key 320 was lastpressed. For example, if the “SAT” key 322 was the last componentselection key 320 pressed, pressing an instruction key 304 listed in the“Command Key Name” column 402 issues the corresponding set-top boxcommand listed in the “Satellite Normal Mode Functions” column 404 tothe set-top box 206. Alternatively, if the “TV” key 324 was the lastcomponent selection key pressed, pressing an instruction key 304 listedin the “Command Key Name” column 402 issues the corresponding TV commandlisted in the “Off-Air (TV) Normal Mode Functions” column 406 beingissued to the TV 204. If no command results from pressing an instructionkey 304 for a particular selected component, the entry in the list isblank. For example, if the last component selection key 320 pressed wasthe “TV” key 324 and the user presses sequentially the instruction keyslabeled 4 and 2, the remote control 202 would issue the commands thatwould change the TV's channel to channel 42. In this example, the remotecontrol 202 is prohibited from issuing commands to the STB. As anotherexample, if the last component selection key 320 pressed was the “SAT”key 322 and the user presses the instruction key “up arrow”, the remotewould issue the command to the set-top box 206 to change the channeldelivered by the set-top box 206 (on the RF carrier channel) up onenumber. In this example, the remote control 202 is prohibited fromissuing commands to the TV. As a third example, if the TV 120 isselected and the user presses the info key, no command is issued by theremote control 142 to the TV 120.

FIG. 5 presents a similar table as presented to FIG. 4, except that FIG.5 shows the corresponding commands available in limited mode instead ofcommands available in normal mode. Limited mode commands, represented incolumn 502 and corresponding to columns 504 and 506, depend on whichcomponent selection key 320 was last pressed. The differences betweenthe tables in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are illustrated by cells filled withdiagonal lines in FIG. 5. Cells 508 filled with diagonal lines representfunctions no longer accessible by the user when the remote control is inlimited mode and are referred to as “limited mode inactive commands,” or“inactive commands” for short. As FIG. 5 shows, there are severalinstances when TV 204 is selected in limited mode where the pressing ofinstruction keys 304 issues no command. For an example of operation inlimited mode, if the last component selection key 320 pressed was the“TV” key 324 and the user presses the instruction keys 304 labeled 4 and2, the remote control 202 only issues commands to the TV 204 (set-topbox 206 commands are inactive). As another example, if the lastcomponent selection key 320 pressed was the “SAT” key 324 and the userpresses the “up arrow” instruction key 304, the remote issues thecommand to the satellite set-top box 206 to change the channel deliveredby the set-top box 206 up one number.

The inactive commands listed in FIG. 5 were selected because of theirpotential for placing the entertainment system 200 into an inoperableconfiguration. An example of an inoperable configuration (as discussedpreviously) occurs where the remote control 202 is in normal mode, theTV 204 is tuned to channel 42 and the set-top box 206 deliversprogramming on RF carrier channel 3. If the remote control 202 were innormal mode, the TV 204 would tune to channel 42 and, since the STB 206delivers all programming on the RF carrier channel 3, the TV 204 wouldnot display the programming delivered by the STB. Conversely, if theremote control 202 is in limited mode, the remote control would issue nocommands to the TV 204, the TV 204 would not change channels, and anyprogramming being delivered by the set-top box 206 would still bedisplayed on the TV 204. The entertainment system 200 would remain in anoperable configuration as a result of the inactive commands in thelimited mode.

The simple entertainment systems discussed above illuminate theembodiments of the remote control apparatus as comprising a normal modeof operation and a limited mode of operation. However, the complexity ofthe logic in the remote control and the number of commands that shouldbe deactivated may also increase as the number and variety ofentertainment system components increases. One skilled in the art willrecognize that the present invention contemplates a remote control thatmay contain logic for multiple entertainment system components.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a remotecontrol with normal and limited modes of operation for use with anentertainment system comprising a STB, VCR, and TV. In this example, theSTB delivers programming on channel 3 to a VCR, and the VCR is connectedto deliver programming, again modulated onto channel 3, to a TV. Theremote control has a set of keys similar to those shown in FIG. 3 andalso has additional keys for controlling VCR functions, including, butnot limited to, a VCR/TV toggle, play, fast forward, rewind, record andpause. In this embodiment, a limited mode exists to limit control of theVCR and TV by preventing remote control 202 commands that would renderthe entertainment system inoperable. This embodiment, for example, mayprevent the VCR from being tuned to a different channel than the RFcarrier channel the set-top box uses to deliver programming. Inaddition, a “TV/VCR” button may also be rendered inactive because thisbutton is only useful if there are multiple analog signals ofprogramming on different frequencies being delivered to the VCR (e.g.,from an antenna for broadcasted programming). Likewise, while in limitedmode, the user may not able to change the channel monitored by the TV. Asimilar limited mode could be provided for each component, including,for example, a DVD player.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8presents a method 800 for programming a remote control to control adevice in a limited mode. The remote control of this embodiment iscapable of transmitting a set of programmed commands to the device ordevices, including commands that change the input monitored by thedevice or the output the device uses to deliver data. For example, adisplay device such as a TV may monitor one of a number of inputs(channel 3, channel 4, video input 1, etc.). Alternatively, a set-topbox device may both monitor a number of inputs and deliver programmingvia a number of outputs (channel 3, channel 4, S-video, etc.). Forpurposes of this embodiment, a device is considered to be in a differentoperational state when monitoring different inputs or deliveringprogramming on different outputs.

The method 800 starts by entering a programming mode in an enterprogramming mode operation 802. The user may have to give a specificuser input to enter the programming mode 802. For example, enterprogramming mode 802 may require pressing and holding a specific key fora period of time.

By entering programming mode 802, a first receiving operation may thenreceive inputs from the user. User inputs may include the original inputused to enter programming mode 802, pressing one or more keys orotherwise selecting a control code for the device to be controlled. Userinputs provide the information necessary for the remote control tocontrol the device.

A second receiving operation 806 then receives a user input selectingwhether to activate the remote control in a limited mode of control. Asdiscussed above, this input may be appending an additional character,such as “1”, to the control code of the device received in the firstreceiving operation 804. One skilled in the art will recognize that manyother user input alternatives are possible.

Upon exit of the programming mode 808 and selection of the limited mode,the remote control will be in a limited mode for the device and preventthe remote control from transmitting a predetermined subset of the setof commands that may normally be transmitted to the device. Thepredetermined subset of commands may include only commands to the devicethat would not render inoperable an entertainment system including thedevice. Such commands may include only commands to the device that donot change the input monitored by the device or the output of thedevice.

Method 800 may also include storing a set of commands for the device onthe remote control and determining the subset of the set of commandsbased on the possible effect of each command on the input or output usedby the device. The subset of the set of commands may be provided in atable or by using a flag for each command indicating its status innormal and limited mode.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed at a remote controlapparatus and method for assisting the user's ability to operate theentertainment system 102 by issuing multiple commands to one or morecomponents in response to a single user instruction. For simplicity, inthis application a single user instruction that issues multiple commandsis referred to as a “macro instruction”. A further means of assistingthe reader's understanding, embodiments of this aspect of the presentinvention will first be discussed in relation to a simple entertainmentsystem. After the specific example, a general embodiment will then bepresented.

FIG. 6 presents a simple entertainment system 600 utilizing anembodiment of the present invention. The simple entertainment system 600consists of a remote control 602, TV 604, a satellite antenna 608, and aSTB 606. The STB 606 receives an input signal 610 including multiplechannels of television programming from a programming provider 612 viasatellite 614 and a satellite communication device 608. The STB 606 canselect a channel from the signal 610 and deliver it to the connected TV604. Both the STB 606 and the TV 604 may be controlled by the remotecontrol 602 via wireless connections 616. In the embodiment, the STB 606is set to deliver programming to the TV 604 via a physical switch (notshown) on the body of the STB 606. The physical switch is not changeablevia remote control commands. In order to display programming deliveredby the STB 606, the TV 604 must be tuned to the channel (or video input)that the STB 606 is set to deliver programming on. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 6, the STB 606 is set to deliver programming on channel 3and the TV 604 is tuned to channel 3.

Typically, a user with a universal remote control would have to enter atleast three separate instructions by pressing three separate keys on theremote control to turn on the entertainment system and display desiredcontent: one key to turn on the TV 604; one key to turn on the STB 606;and at least one key to tune the STB 606 to the desired channel oftelevision programming. In addition, if the TV 604 was not tuned todisplay the channel that the set-top box 606 delivered programming on(i.e., channel 3 in the embodiment), the user would also have to retunethe TV 604. Similarly, for a user to turn off the entertainment system600, the user would have to press at least three keys: one to turn offthe currently selected component; one to select the second component;and one to turn off that component.

One embodiment of the present invention is a remote control thatsimultaneously issues commands to multiple components in response to asingle user input, such as a macro instruction key to turn on theentertainment system 600. In this embodiment, the remote control maytransmit a “turn on” command to each component for which the remotecontrol has been programmed.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a remote control thatpowers on both the TV 604 and the STB 606, and issues the command totune the TV 604 to channel 3 in response to a single user macroinstruction to turn on the entertainment system 600. In this embodiment,once the user has set up an operable configuration for the entertainmentsystem 600, the user may be prompted to store the configuration in theremote control. In this embodiment and the previous embodiment, the STB606 is set to deliver programming on channel 3 and the TV is tuned tochannel 3. Upon receipt of a turn on command, the remote sends commandscausing the TV 604 and STB 606 to change to this configuration if theyare not already in those states.

In another embodiment, the remote control may also include aconfiguration macro instruction key on the remote control that sends thecurrently stored configuration, rather than sending the commands withevery macro instruction turn on command.

Another embodiment is a remote control that turns off both the TV 604and the STB 606 in response to a single turn off macro instruction fromthe user.

In yet another embodiment, both components, if currently off, are turnedon when the remote control detects any instruction by the user. Forexample, the remote control 602, upon receiving a “go to preferredchannel A” instruction, would turn on all necessary components in theentertainment system 600 and issue whatever commands were necessary todisplay the preferred programming (such as tuning the TV to channel 3 iftuned to some other channel). One skilled in the art will recognizethat, depending on the number and type of components connected to theentertainment system 600, other macro instructions are possible. Onesuch example is set forth in the next embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates another, slightly more complicated, entertainmentsystem 700 utilizing another embodiment of a remote control 702 inaccordance with the present invention. The entertainment system 700consists of a remote control 702, TV 704, a satellite communicationdevice 708, and a STB 706. The STB 706 receives a signal 710 of multiplechannels of television programming from a programming provider 712 via asatellite 714 and a satellite communication device 708. The STB 706 canselect a channel from the signal 710 and deliver it to the connected TV704. Both the STB 706 and the TV 704 may be controlled by the remotecontrol 702 via wireless connections 716. In this embodiment, the STB706 is set to deliver programming via a physical switch (not shown) onthe body of the STB 706 and is not changeable via remote controlcommands. In order to display programming delivered by the STB 706, TV704 must be tuned to the channel (or video input) that the STB 706 isset to deliver programming on. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, theSTB 706 is set to deliver programming on channel 3 and the TV 704 istuned to channel 3. The entertainment system in FIG. 7 differs from thatin FIG. 6 in that it includes a VCR 718 connected to the STB 706 via aperipheral input such that the STB 706 and the TV 704 must be on todisplay programming delivered by the VCR 718. One skilled in the artwill recognize that other ways of connecting the VCR are possible. Forexample, another way of connecting the VCR includes, but is not limitedto, passing the stream of channels 710 to the VCR then to the STB orconnecting the VCR solely to the TV.

In the embodiment, the remote control 702, the “play” VCR instruction isa macro instruction that issues the command to the VCR 718 to play thetape in the VCR and changes the STB's 706 input setting and the TV's 704channel to those necessary to display programming delivered by the VCR718.

In another embodiment, the remote control 702 has an “entertainmentsystem turn off” macro instruction that issues command that turn off theVCR 718, TV 704, and STB 706 upon receipt of a single user macroinstruction to turn off the entertainment system 700.

As another example, in an entertainment system that includes a hometheater sound system, an embodiment of the present invention includesturning on the home theater and other components of the entertainmentsystem in response to a single user macro instruction. A furtherembodiment, also for an entertainment system that includes a hometheater sound system, includes the remote control turning on multiplecomponents of the entertainment system including the home theater soundsystem and also issuing a command to set the volume of the home theatersound system to a predetermined level.

As the exemplary embodiments of the present invention described aboveillustrate, as the number of components of the entertainment systemincrease, the number and nature of specific commands issued as a resultof a macro by a remote control apparatus designed in accordance with thepresent invention will increase.

Stated in general terms, one embodiment of the present invention is aremote control apparatus that, in response to a single user instruction,issues a plurality of commands to change operational states to one ormore components in an entertainment system. Another general embodimentis a remote control apparatus that issues one or more commands to aplurality of components in an entertainment system in response to asingle user instruction.

It will be clear that the present invention is well adapted to attainthe ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein.While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposesof this disclosure, various changes and modifications may be made whichare well within the scope of the present invention. For example, theembodiments described may be implemented in any component of theentertainment system, in addition to a remote control, if the componenthas a transmitter and is capable of issuing commands to the othercomponents. Specifically, if a STB is provided with an IR transmitterpowerful enough to issue commands, for example, to any components in theroom (via reflection), then the configuration information andconfiguration macro instruction key could be provided on the STB.Numerous other changes may be made which will readily suggest themselvesto those skilled in the art and which are encompassed in the scope ofthe invention disclosed and as defined in the appended claims.

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A remote control for an entertainment system havingmultiple components, the remote control comprising: a transmitterconfigured to transmit commands to each of the multiple components; auser interface configured to receive first user instructions and asecond user instruction; and control circuitry configured to: issueexactly one of the commands via the transmitter to exactly one of themultiple components in response to each of the first user instructionsreceived via the user interface; and issue at least two of the commandsin response to the second user instruction received via the userinterface.
 21. The remote control of claim 20, wherein: the at least twocommands comprise at least two commands issued to the same component.22. The remote control of claim 20, wherein: the at least two commandscomprise at least one command issued to each of at least two components.23. The remote control of claim 20, wherein: the at least two commandscomprise a power off command to each of the multiple components.
 24. Theremote control of claim 20, wherein: the at least two commands comprisea power on command to each of at least two of the multiple components.25. The remote control of claim 24, wherein: for each of the at leasttwo of the multiple components, the control circuitry is configured todetermine whether the component is powered on before issuing the poweron command associated with the component.
 26. The remote control ofclaim 24, wherein: the at least two commands further comprise a channelchange command to at least one of the at least two of the multiplecomponents for a predetermined channel.
 27. The remote control of claim24, wherein: the at least two commands further comprise an audio volumechange command to at least one of the at least two of the multiplecomponents for a predetermined audio level.
 28. The remote control ofclaim 24, wherein: the at least two commands further comprise a inputselection command to at least one of the at least two of the multiplecomponents.
 29. The remote control of claim 24, wherein: the at leasttwo commands further comprise an output selection command to at leastone of the at least two of the multiple components.
 30. The remotecontrol of claim 24, wherein: the at least two commands further comprisea play media command to at least one of the at least two of the multiplecomponents.
 31. The remote control of claim 20, wherein: the second userinstruction comprises an instruction to configure the multiplecomponents to present content sourced by one of the multiple componentsto a user; and the at least two commands comprise commands to alteroperational states of the multiple components to present the content tothe user.
 32. A method for issuing multiple commands to components of anentertainment system in response to a single user instruction, themethod comprising: receiving first user instructions, wherein each ofthe first user instructions comprises an instruction to issue a singlecommand for exactly one of the components; in response to receiving eachof the first user instructions, issuing the single command correspondingto the first user instruction; receiving a second user instruction toissue at least two commands to at least one of the components, and inresponse to receiving the second user instruction, issuing the at leasttwo commands to the at least one of the components.
 33. The method ofclaim 32, further comprising: before receiving the second userinstruction, receiving a plurality of the first user instructions toplace the entertainment system in an operable configuration; in responseto receiving each of the plurality of the first user instructions,issuing the command associated with the received first user instruction;receiving a user direction to store an indication of the plurality ofthe first user instructions; and in response to receiving the userdirection, storing the indication of the plurality of the first userinstructions; wherein the at least two commands issued in response tothe second user instruction comprise the plurality of the first userinstructions.
 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising: promptingthe user to provide the user direction.
 35. The method of claim 32,wherein: the first user instructions and the second user instruction arereceived into, and the resulting commands are issued from, a remotecontrol configured to communicate with each of the components.
 36. Themethod of claim 32, wherein: at least some of the commands issued inresponse to the second user instruction are issued from one of thecomponents.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein: the one of thecomponents comprises a television set-top box configured to receivebroadcast programming and deliver the broadcast programming via adisplay device to the user.
 38. A component of an entertainment system,comprising: a receiver responsive to commands from a remote control; atransmitter configured to transmit commands to other components of theentertainment system; data storage configured to store an identificationof a plurality of commands to be issued to other components to place theentertainment system in an operable configuration; and control circuitryconfigured to: receive a direction to place the entertainment system inthe operable configuration; and in response to receiving the direction,issuing the plurality of commands to the other components of theentertainment system.
 39. The component of claim 38, further comprising:a user interface configured to receive from a user the direction toplace the entertainment system in the operable configuration.